Universal bracket assembly for support and display of potted plants

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a new and novel bracket assembly for display of potted plants. The main component is an integrally formed bracket that can be mounted onto any vertical support surface. Due to the shape and size of the bracket any type of flower pot having a rim can be re-movably supported thereon. The integrally formed bracket can be used independently and/or in combination with additional optional accessories. The accessories allow for variable configurations, multiples of the bracket to be displayed simultaneously and also the end user can install the assembly onto either a vertical, horizontal, or an overhead support surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to support brackets thatsuspend an object thereon for display purposes. More particularly thepresent assembly is most useful for supporting either one or multiplecircular various sized flower pot(s) thereon for aesthetic purposes.Also, the assembly is universal as it is functional with any size flowerpot of user choice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Within the known prior art numerous designs and various configurationsfor support means have been used for display and suspension of flowerpots thereon. The most common flower support structures include ropesuch as macramé hangers that contain the flower pot therein and suspendthe pot from an above surface. Such macramé hangers are somewhat usefuland decorative but have inherent disadvantages. Namely, macramé hangersmust be wrapped around the pot and the plant stems and leaves must bethreaded through openings in the macramé. This is most time consuming,inconvenient and also can easily damage the plant when positioning thepot therein or during removal there from.

Other support means include plastic hooks with extension legs thatattach onto the flower pot. These types of support hooks are mostunsightly and greatly distract from the beauty of the plant. Mostimportantly these supports are restricted in use as they must be hungfrom an above surface, such as a ceiling or the like.

Other types of flower pot displays include upright stands all of whichprovide a circular base for containment of the pot. These types ofstands are not aesthetically appealing and again distract from thebeauty of the plant. Furthermore, these stands must be situated on thefloor thus restricting floor space.

The closets related prior art include the following U.S. Pat. No.6,079,686, No. 5,074,504, No. D394,576 and No. D362,175.

The '686 is entitled “TRAY SUPPORT APPARATUS”. It is similar instructure as it has attachment means on the top and bottom, and a topnotch for capture of the top rim of the pot. However, the apparatus isnot functional without a pair of notches, the top notch is for the rimof the pot and the bottom notch is for support of a drip tray. Due tothe construction of the top notch it cannot support a flower pot thatdoes not include a drip tray in combination. Thus the present inventionis much more functional and eliminates the need for an additional notchand/or the need for a drip tray.

The '504 entitled “FLOWERPOT HOLDER” is somewhat similar as it doesinclude one notch for support of the rim of the pot therein. However, itis mounted with one centralized fastener. More importantly, due to theshape of the notch it is not truly functional with various sized pots assuggested. In reality, the shape of the downward hook is not favourablefor use with smaller type pots having smaller rims. The hook member ismuch too large and uses much of the internal space if used with a smallpot. The most important problem with this reference is that the hookmember is shaped strait down yet outwardly pointed, and the backside ofthe notch is not perpendicular with the vertical flat backside supportsurface. In use, this causes problems with various sized pots resultingin a holder that is not universal, unlike the present invention. It is afurther advantage of the present invention to be re-movably attachedwith two identical fasteners each of the same length. If two fastenerswere used with the '504 reference is would be more useful. Namely twofasteners will not allow the holder to pivot, thus two fasteners resolvethis problem. Even if the '504 reference were to be attached with twofasteners, each would need to be extremely long, another disadvantage ofwhich the present invention clearly resolves due to this new novel shapeand size.

The '576 reference is somewhat similar as it is functional with onenotch yet it is formed from two independent pieces. This reference isonly functional with a rim having the identical shape as the notchitself. More importantly the most obvious disadvantage is that duringinstallation the user must manually hold the pot and each of the piecesin place while simultaneously installing the fastener. This is most timeconsuming and problematic for the user. Also this further requiresremoval of the fastener and top member if the pot is to be removed. Thepresent invention is clearly much more functional, more cost efficient,is less labor-intensive to install and overall is much moreaesthetically pleasing.

The '175 reference is somewhat similar as it is installed with twofasteners and is functional with one notch. However, again due to thespecific shape of the notch it is again not universal. The mostimportant disadvantage of all of these references is the shape of thenotch itself. Each reference includes a horizontal flat surface forsupport of the rim thereon. In actual use this proves to be adetrimental disadvantage. Namely, during installation the straightoutward edge tends to interfere and this further restricts universal usewith various types of pots. To resolve this problematic issue thepresent invention includes a slight downward curvature of which is muchmore functional and allows for overall enhanced performance.

More importantly, all of the known prior art do not provide a universalassembly that can support any type of flower pot of user choice.

It is therefore contended there is a need for a new and novel type ofsupport and display assembly for flower pots that overcomes the inherentdisadvantages and problems associated with the prior art. Namely, anassembly that is universal and allows the end user to either mount theflower pot(s) on a vertical surface, such as a fence and/or depending onthe configuration it can be mounted from an above structure, such as theceiling and/or it can be independent and functional as a complete freestanding assembly. More importantly, the assembly is universal as it caneasily support one or multiple pots and various sized pots of userchoice and/or combinations thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide anew and novel bracket assembly that is used for support and display of apotted plant thereon. The assembly incorporates a main universal bracketthat is integrally formed having no moving parts. Due to the uniqueshape and size of the main universal bracket it can easily be mountedonto any vertical surface of choice, such as a fence (wire or a wooden)a wall or the like.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a main universalbracket that can be used independently for vertical mounting and/or itcan be used in combination with additional optional components thatallow for alternative mounting features. The alternative mountingfeatures allow for mounting the assembly from a horizontal surfaceand/or onto an upright stand. Also, multiple brackets can be used incombination thus allowing for numerous configurations of choice.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a potted plantdisplay assembly that is easily manufactured, is cost effective, can bemade from numerous materials of choice, is easy to use, is aestheticallyappealing and allows the end user to display their potted plants in avariety of ways.

Other objects and advantages will be seen when taken into considerationwith the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is substantially a right side view of the preferred embodimentfor the main universal bracket of the present invention when attachedonto a vertical support surface.

FIG. 2 is substantially a perspective plan view depicting multiples ofthe main universal bracket when attached onto a vertical elongatedrectangle.

FIG. 3 is substantially a partial plan view depicting the top end of thevertical elongated rectangle when attached onto an above horizontalsupport structure.

FIG. 4 is substantially a partial plan view depicting two verticalelongated rectangles when interconnected together.

FIG. 5 is substantially a partial view of the bottom end of an elongatedrectangle having an ornament therewith.

FIG. 6 is substantially a partial plan view depicting the bottom end ofone vertical elongated rectangle when supported by a pedestal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now in detail to the drawings wherein like characters refer tolike elements throughout the various views. As depicted in FIG. 1, (10)represents an overview for the preferred embodiment for the presentinvention which includes a main universal bracket (12) of which is themain component. It is to be understood the main universal bracket can beintegrally formed from any suitable material of engineering choice, suchas wood, plastic, Nylon, Acrylic, rubber or the like. The main universalbracket is of a distinct and novel shape which provides the unusual newend results, namely because of the shape it can support any sizepre-existing pot (14) of user choice. For example, any flower potbetween 4 to 12 inches is acceptable. The main universal bracket (12)includes an integrally formed elongated vertical body member having apre-determined height and width, such as 9 inches in height and ½ inchwide, or the like. The main universal bracket (12) further includes avertical flat backside, a vertical flat right-side, a vertical flat leftside, a top end, a bottom end and a front side. The front side ismoulded to form a first semi-circular outwardly protruding section (16),a second semi-circular outwardly protruding section (18), a verticalelongated notch (20), a partially outwardly protruding third section(22) and a semi-S-curved inwardly reseeding lower section (24).

The first semi-circular outwardly protruding section (16) defining afirst horizontal depth resulting, in a first edge portion (26). Thesecond semi-circular outwardly protruding section defines a secondhorizontal depth, resulting in a second edge portion (28). Thus it canbe seen the first edge portion (26) and the second edge portionaesthetically merge together. The second edge portion (28) and thevertical elongated notch (20) form a downwardly projecting pointedgripping element (30). The vertical elongated notch (20) has a lowerbottom downwardly rounded ledge (32) that is cut forming an openingbetween the downwardly projecting pointed gripping element (30) and thepartially outwardly protruding third section (22). Thus it can be seenthe lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge (32) and the partiallyoutwardly protruding third section (22) aesthetically merge together.

It is to be understood that the actual shape and size of the downwardlyprojecting pointed gripping element (30) is extremely important. Theapplicant experimented and thru tedious trial and error determined thatthis unique shape and size allows for various sized pots to be utilized.This shape and size is especially important for small flower pots asthis configuration provides more interior space for the plant and/orsoil.

The vertical flat backside is re-movably attached onto a supportstructure of user choice, such as onto a fence (34) or the like. It isto be understood any type of fence (wooden or wire) is optional.Furthermore, any type of fastener of user choice is inherent. Forexample, screws, nails, or the like are sufficiently functional.However, the applicant have found when the main universal bracket (12)is to be attached onto a chain-link fence a most efficient fastener issold by Gardner Bender, entitled “Shark Tooth Anchor™”.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the standard pre-existing pot (14) has a rim(36) interconnected with an angular circular side wall (38). As furtherclearly illustrated the projecting pointed gripping element (30) withthe vertical elongated notch (20) and the opening in combination form areceptacle that is of a shape and size to slide-ably receive andsubstantially mate with the rim (36) and the partially outwardlyprotruding third section (22) has a mating relationship with the angularcircular side wall (38) respectively.

In the preferred embodiment as illustrated, the noted first horizontaldepth preferably measures 1 inch which is half the distance of thesecond horizontal depth, respectively. Furthermore, lower bottomdownwardly rounded ledge (32) is preferably in vertical alignment withthe first edge portion (26). Still further, the semi-S-curved inwardlyreseeding lower section (24) has a central section that is in verticalalignment with the lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge (32) and thefirst edge portion (26). Again it is to be noted this overallconfiguration of shape and size is critical to achieve the end resultsof universal function.

It can now be seen that when the pre-existing pot (14) is slide-ablyengaged within the universal bracket assembly (12) the projectingpointed gripping element (30) partially extends downwardly into thepre-existing pot (14) against an inside surface of the rim (36). The rim(36) is engaged within the noted receptacle and the circular side wall(38) rests against the partially outwardly protruding third section(22). Thus resulting in the weight of the pre-existing pot (14) beingfully supported by the lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge (32) of thevertical elongated notch (20) with the partially outwardly protrudingthird section (22) in combination, thus further resulting in thepre-existing pot (14) being securely supported in an upright position bythe main universal bracket (12) and the support structure, such as thefence (34) in combination.

It is to be noted the above universal bracket assembly as taught abovecan be used completely as itself for supporting one flower pot thereon.However, if preferred optional features can be sold in additiontherewith depending on engineering choice and/or end user needs. Forexample, the following provides some optional features of which are mostfunctional and highly appealing.

Referring now to FIG. 2 wherein as illustrated, we further provideadditional options of which allow an end user to display their flowerpots in a variety of ways. For example, if the user desires to displaymultiples of the flower pots simultaneously we further include thefollowing additional component. Namely, the support surface depicted inFIG. 2, is an elongated rectangle (40) having four equal sides, a flattop end and a flat bottom end. As a result, multiples of the mainuniversal bracket (12) can be re-movably mounted onto the elongatedrectangle (40) for supporting multiple pre-existing pots (14)simultaneously. As previously noted, any suitable type of attachmentmeans for remove-ably attaching the main universal bracket (12) onto thesupport surface can be incorporated, depending on engineering and enduser choice. Therefore, the following attachment means is only exemplaryof one possible fastening means.

In FIG. 2, the main universal bracket (12) includes the first edgeportion (26) and the central section (24) each having an elongatedhorizontal slot (42) for receiving the noted fastener (44) therethrough. Additionally, the flat top end and the flat bottom end of theelongated rectangle (40) include optional attachment means of whichallow the end user to re-movably install the elongated rectangle (40)from either a horizontal support structure, onto a second elongatedrectangle (one on top of the other), or even on top of a pedestal, orthe like. Each optional attachment means, and/or optional mountingfeatures are further defined within the following specification.

Referring now to FIG. 3, wherein the top end of the elongated rectangle(40-A) is illustrated. Further depicted therein is one possibleattachment means for re-movably attaching the elongated rectangle (40)onto an overhead horizontal support structure. For example one suitableattachment means includes a standard eye-hook (46) that is re-movablyinterconnected onto a standard J-shaped hook (48) of which isthread-ably engaged into a ceiling (50).

In reference to FIG. 4, another attachment means includes the flat topend of the elongated rectangle (40-A) having a standard upside-downJ-hook installed thereon and the flat bottom end (40-B) having astandard J-hook (68) installed thereon so as to allow for multiples ofelongated rectangles (40) to be re-movably interconnected, one on top ofthe other.

In reference now to FIG. 5, wherein another optional feature is toprovide the flat bottom end (40-B) with attachment means for attachingan ornamental accessory (of user choice) thereon. Namely, for examplethe flat bottom end (40-B) may include an ornamental accessory (52)thread-ably engaged into the flat bottom end (40-B).

Another option for the present invention is to include upon the flatbottom end (40-B) of the elongated rectangle attachment means forattaching a pedestal thereto so as to allow the elongated rectangle (40)to be supported on a flat horizontal support surface. It is to beunderstood any suitable type of attachment means and/or pedestal ofchoice may be incorporated. Therefore, the pedestal as hereafterdescribed is only exemplary and thus the invention is not to be limitedthereto.

In reference now to FIG. 6, wherein the universal bracket assembly asillustrated can be interconnected onto a pedestal (54). Wherein, theflat bottom end (40-B) is interconnected onto a first outward protrudingleft leg member (54-A) by a fastener (56) such as a screw, a nail or thelike. The flat bottom end (40-B) is interconnected onto a second frontaloutward protruding leg member (54-B) by a fastener (not shown). The flatbottom end (40-B) is interconnected onto a third outward protrudingright leg member (54-C) by a fastener (not shown) and the flat bottomend (40-B) is interconnected onto a fourth rearward outward protrudingleg member (54-D, depicted in ghost lines) by a fastener (56) (notshown. Thus, allowing the universal bracket assembly to be mounted onthe pedestal (54) and function as a free standing assembly that isposition-able and supported on top of a flat horizontal support surfacesuch as a floor (58) or the like.

It is to be clearly understood that all of the components of theuniversal bracket assembly can be interchanged in numerousconfigurations and/or interconnected by various attachment means ofengineering or end user choice. Also, the main universal bracket 12 canbe sold independently or the overall universal bracket assembly can besold as a kit, including numerous fasteners, one or more elongatedrectangles (40) and/or multiple support legs, and/or any combinationsthereof.

It can now be seen herein presented a new and novel universal bracketassembly for display of potted plants that is functional for support ofany type or size of flower pot(s) having a rim. More importantly theinvention is cost effective to produce/sell, is aesthetically pleasingand can be interconnected onto an overhead support structure, a verticalsupport structure or positioned on a horizontal support surface. Also,multiples of the assembly can be supported simultaneously.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what isconceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it isrecognized that departures may be made there from within the scope andspirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the detailsdisclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims soas to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatuses.

1. A universal bracket assembly for support and display of potted plantscomprising in: combination: a main universal bracket; a supportstructure; and a pre-existing pot; said main universal bracket being anintegrally formed elongated vertical body member having a pre-determinedheight and width, a vertical flat backside, a vertical flat right-side,a vertical flat left side, a top end, a bottom end and a front side,said front side being moulded to form a first semi-circular outwardlyprotruding section, a second semi-circular outwardly protruding section,a vertical elongated notch, a partially outwardly protruding thirdsection and a semi-S-curved inwardly reseeding lower section, said firstsemi-circular outwardly protruding section defining a first horizontaldepth resulting in a first edge portion, said second semi-circularoutwardly protruding section defining a second horizontal depthresulting in a second edge portion, said first edge portion and saidsecond edge portion aesthetically merge together, said second edgeportion and said vertical elongated notch forming a downwardlyprojecting pointed gripping element, said vertical elongated notchhaving a lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge that is cut forming anopening between said downwardly projecting pointed gripping element andsaid partially outwardly protruding third section, said lower bottomdownwardly rounded ledge and said partially outwardly protruding thirdsection aesthetically merge together, said vertical flat backside beingattached onto said support structure, said pre-existing pot having a riminterconnected with an angular circular side wall, said projectingpointed gripping element with said vertical elongated notch and saidopening in combination forming a receptacle that is of a shape and sizeto slide-ably receive and mate with said rim, said partially outwardlyprotruding third section having a mating relationship with said angularcircular side wall, said first horizontal depth measuring half thedistance of said second horizontal depth, said lower bottom downwardlyrounded ledge being in vertical alignment with said first edge portionand said semi-S-curved inwardly reseeding lower section having a centralsection that is in vertical alignment with said lower bottom downwardlyrounded ledge and said first edge portion; whereby: when saidpre-existing pot is slide-ably engaged within said universal bracketassembly, said projecting pointed gripping element partially extendsdownwardly into said pre-existing pot against an inside surface of saidrim, said rim is engaged within said receptacle, said circular side wallrests against said partially outwardly protruding third section, thusresulting in the weight of said pre-existing pot being fully supportedby said lower bottom downwardly rounded ledge of said vertical elongatednotch with said partially outwardly protruding third section incombination, thus further resulting in said pre-existing pot beingsecurely supported in an upright position by said main universal bracketand said support structure in combination.
 2. The universal bracketassembly of claim 1 wherein said first edge portion and said centralsection each have attachment means for remove-ably attaching said mainuniversal bracket onto said support surface.
 3. The universal bracketassembly of claim 1 wherein said support surface is a fence.
 4. Theuniversal bracket assembly of claim 2 wherein said attachment meansincludes an elongated horizontal slot for receiving a fastener therethrough.
 5. The universal bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein saidsupport surface is an elongated rectangle having four equal sides, aflat top end and a flat bottom end, thus multiples of said mainuniversal bracket can be re-movably mounted onto said elongatedrectangle for supporting multiple pre-existing pots simultaneously. 6.The universal bracket assembly of claim 5 wherein said flat top endfurther includes attachment means for being re-movably attached onto ahorizontal support structure thus said elongated rectangle with saidmultiples of said main universal bracket can be vertically hung fromsaid horizontal support structure.
 7. The universal bracket assembly ofclaim 5 wherein said flat bottom end further includes attachment meansfor attaching an ornamental accessory thereon.
 8. The universal bracketassembly of claim 5 wherein said flat bottom end further includesattachment means for attaching a second elongated rectangle thereon,thus multiples of said elongated rectangle having four equal sides canbe interconnected together one on top of the other.
 9. The universalbracket assembly of claim 5 wherein said flat bottom end furtherincludes attachment means for attaching a pedestal thereto, thus saidelongated rectangle having four equal sides can be supported on a flathorizontal support surface.